Downtown Shelby turns to music for a revival

Music has helped power the revival of downtown (or uptown, as the locals call it) Shelby. The Earl Scruggs Center and Don Gibson Theatre draw on the town’s musical history.

Musicians at the Bluegrass & Old-Time Jam Session on the square in Shelby, playing in front of the Earl Scruggs Center. Photo: Nancy Pierce.
Musicians at the Bluegrass & Old-Time Jam Session on the square in Shelby, playing in front of the Earl Scruggs Center. Photo: Nancy Pierce.
Musicians at the Bluegrass & Old-Time Jam Session on the square in Shelby, playing in front of the Earl Scruggs Center. Photo: Nancy Pierce.
Musicians at the Bluegrass & Old-Time Jam Session on the square in Shelby, playing in front of the Earl Scruggs Center. Photo: Nancy Pierce.
Musicians at the Bluegrass & Old-Time Jam Session on the square in Shelby, playing in front of the Earl Scruggs Center. Photo: Nancy Pierce.
Musicians at the Bluegrass & Old-Time Jam Session on the square in Shelby, playing in front of the Earl Scruggs Center. Photo: Nancy Pierce.
The Earl Scruggs Center is located in the former county courthouse. Photo: Nancy Pierce.
The Earl Scruggs Center is located in the former county courthouse. Photo: Nancy Pierce.
Musicians at the Bluegrass & Old-Time Jam Session on the square in Shelby, playing in front of the Earl Scruggs Center. Photo: Nancy Pierce.
Musicians at the Bluegrass & Old-Time Jam Session on the square in Shelby, playing in front of the Earl Scruggs Center. Photo: Nancy Pierce.
Musicians at the Bluegrass & Old-Time Jam Session on the square in Shelby, playing in front of the Earl Scruggs Center. Photo: Nancy Pierce.
Musicians at the Bluegrass & Old-Time Jam Session on the square in Shelby, playing in front of the Earl Scruggs Center. Photo: Nancy Pierce.
Uptown Shelby is home to the Don Gibson Theatre. Photo: Nancy Pierce
Uptown Shelby is home to the Don Gibson Theatre. Photo: Nancy Pierce
Dragonfly Wine Market on Lafayette Street, part of the revitalized Shelby. Photo: Nancy Pierce
Dragonfly Wine Market on Lafayette Street, part of the revitalized Shelby. Photo: Nancy Pierce
Newgrass Brewing on Lafayette Street is a popular pre-concert spot. Photo: Nancy Pierce
Newgrass Brewing on Lafayette Street is a popular pre-concert spot. Photo: Nancy Pierce
Shops on West Warren Street in uptown Shelby. Photo: Nancy Pierce
Shops on West Warren Street in uptown Shelby. Photo: Nancy Pierce
The 18 Stone Design Acoustic Stage inside the Don Gibson Theatre. Photo: Nancy Pierce.
The 18 Stone Design Acoustic Stage inside the Don Gibson Theatre. Photo: Nancy Pierce.
Street art celebrates Don Gibson's music in Shelby. Photo: Nancy Pierce
Street art celebrates Don Gibson’s music in Shelby. Photo: Nancy Pierce
Street art celebrates Don Gibson's music in Shelby. Photo: Nancy Pierce
Street art celebrates Don Gibson’s music in Shelby. Photo: Nancy Pierce